Adjustable Bag Retaining Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided is an adjustable bag retaining apparatus comprising a hook or clamp, the hook or clamp capable vertically sliding movement on or in a track, mast, stand, support or hollow sleeve for accommodating bags of different sizes for packing.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus that holds bags. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable apparatusthat holds bags of different sizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the last few years there has been a growing trend in the groceryindustry and other retailers to encourage the use of reusable bags,while discouraging the use of plastic. This is happening worldwide butespecially North America where use of traditional plastic bags is stillprominent. Various jurisdictions such as San Francisco and Toronto havealready banned or imposed a tax on traditional single use plastic bagsand this trend is increasing.

The trend to reuse old grocery bags or more environmentally friendlyreusable shopping bags such as long lasting cotton, canvas or durablereusable plastic shopping bags is generally well accepted by consumers.However, most bags that customers bring in to the stores come in varioussizes and styles. Cashiers are currently having difficulty bagginggroceries and other items into these bags of various shapes and sizes. Amajor problem is that the bags do not sit properly or stay open verywell during bagging. This makes the bagging process inefficient forcashiers thereby increasing waiting times for customers. Because ofthese drawbacks, some supermarkets are replacing their checkouts to scanand pass models where the cashier scans the product and passes it backfor bagging by the customer or an assistant bagger. This results in lowcustomer service where customers bag themselves or high costs in thecases where rear baggers are employed. Stores that want to retaincashier bagging service need an easier way of bagging items into thereusable bags of various shapes and sizes.

There is a need in the art for novel bag holders. There is also a needin the art for adjustable bag holders that can accommodate a wide rangeof reusable bag types and sizes while also accommodating existing singleuse plastic bags known in the industry as “T-shirt” plastic bags and“Wave-top” plastic bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus that holds bags. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable apparatusthat holds bags of different sizes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan adjustable bag retaining apparatus comprising,

a) a clamp member,

b) a hollow sleeve,

c) a sleeve engaging member attached to the clamp member at one endthereof, the sleeve engaging member capable of vertically slidingmovement within the sleeve, and;

d) optionally, either

-   -   i) a plurality of flanges attached to the sleeve and extending        outwardly therefrom, said flanges optionally comprising one or        more apertures for fixedly attaching the adjustable bag        retaining apparatus to a surface or substrate, or    -   ii) a plurality of protrusions, optionally threaded such as, but        not limited to studs, screws, machine screws, or bolts attached        to the sleeve and extending outwardly therefrom for fixedly        attaching the adjustable bag retaining apparatus to a vertical        surface or substrate.

The present invention also provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus comprising,

a) a clamp member,

b) a hollow sleeve,

c) a sleeve engaging member attached to the clamp member at one endthereof, the sleeve engaging member capable of vertically slidingmovement within the sleeve, and;

d) a base member attached to the sleeve, the base member optionallycomprising one or more apertures for fixedly attaching the adjustablebag retaining apparatus to a surface or substrate.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above further comprising a structural supportframe.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the base member is substantiallysquare or rectangular and has one or more apertures for affixing theadjustable bag retaining apparatus to a surface.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above wherein the base member is made of steel ormetal or plastic.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above wherein base member is welded to thestructural support frame.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above wherein the base member is affixed on topof a loop extension of the structural support frame at the periphery ofthe base member.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the structural support framecomprises one or more cross braces along its width and/or length toprovide rigidity thereto and provide height adjustment capabilities whenused with existing checkout counter infrastructure such as, but notlimited to linear metal hooks attached to the vertical surface of abagwell.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the structural support framecomprises two proximal frame piece members affixed to the base member onan upper portion of the plane thereof and extending about verticallytherefrom, and two distal frame piece members affixed to the base memberon an under portion of the plane thereof and extending about verticallytherefrom.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the two distal frame piece membersaffixed to the base member on an under portion of the plane thereof andextending about vertically therefrom form a continuous loop under thebase member.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein a hook member is affixed to thestructural support frame used for holding the tab found at the topcenter of T-shirt plastic bags.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the clamp member slides verticallyand stays in position under frictional engagement within the sleeve.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the clamp member is attached atthe distal end of a sleeve engaging member for sliding vertically withinthe sleeve.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the sleeve comprises one or moreprotrusions extending into the cavity of the sleeve, and said sleeveengaging member comprises one or more stopping members to abut said oneor more protrusions on said sleeve to prevent removal or disassembly ofthe sleeve engaging member from said sleeve.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, wherein the clamp member comprises atorsion spring that biases the clamp member to a closed or clampingposition.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, further comprising at least two extensionmembers positioned about opposite sides of the support frame andextending outwardly therefrom and generally parallel to the base memberand comprise a terminal end portion that curves upward away from thebase member.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, further comprising at least two extensionmembers positioned about opposite sides of the support frame andextending outwardly therefrom generally parallel to the base member andforming a closed loop.

The present invention also provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described in any of FIGS. 1-22 or any combination offeatures shown therein.

The present invention also provides an adjustable bag retainingapparatus as described above, further comprising one or more bags.

The present invention also contemplates a bag retaining apparatuscomprising any combination of features of the bag retaining apparatusdescribed above with the exception that the clamp member is replacedwith a hook member and the hook member is capable of vertically slidingmovement and can accommodate the handles of bags of various sizes.

The present invention also contemplates an adjustable bag retainingapparatus comprising a clamp member or hook member, the clamp or hookmember capable of being adjusted to a desired vertical height on a standor support by a height adjustment means.

This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all featuresof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent fromthe following description in which reference is made to the appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus further comprising a base member and structural support frame.

FIG. 4 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus further comprising a base member, structural support frame,hook and two or more extension members.

FIG. 5 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus similar to FIG. 4 but with the clamp member verticallyextended.

FIG. 6 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a representative front view depiction of the adjustable bagretaining apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows a representative rear view depiction of the adjustable bagretaining apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows a representative overhead view depiction of the adjustablebag retaining apparatus.

FIG. 10 shows a representative side view depiction of the adjustable bagretaining apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus holding a small reusable bag.

FIG. 12 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus holding a larger reusable bag than in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a representative depiction of a clamp member that may beemployed in the adjustable bag retaining apparatus.

FIG. 14 shows a representative depiction of a clamp member that may beemployed in the adjustable bag retaining apparatus.

FIG. 15 shows a representative depiction of a clamp member that may beemployed in the adjustable bag retaining apparatus.

FIG. 16 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus.

FIG. 17 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus.

FIG. 18 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus.

FIG. 19 shows a partial representative depiction of the adjustable bagretaining apparatus.

FIG. 20 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus holding the handle of a bag.

FIG. 21 shows an alternate representative depiction of the adjustablebag retaining apparatus holding the handle of a bag.

FIG. 22 shows a representative depiction of the adjustable bag retainingapparatus showing a hook member replacing a clamp member, the hookmember capable of telescopic movement for vertical adjustability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of a preferred embodiment.

According to the present invention there is provided an adjustable bagretaining apparatus (10) comprising,

a) a clamp member (20),

b) a hollow sleeve (30),

c) a sleeve engaging member attached to the clamp member at one endthereof, the sleeve engaging member capable of vertically slidingmovement within the sleeve, and;

d) optionally, either

-   -   i) a plurality of flanges attached to the sleeve and extending        outwardly therefrom, said flanges optionally comprising one or        more apertures for fixedly attaching the adjustable bag        retaining apparatus to a surface or substrate, or    -   ii) a plurality of protrusions, optionally threaded, such as,        but not limited to studs, screws, machine screws, or bolts        attached to the sleeve and extending outwardly therefrom for        fixedly attaching the adjustable bag retaining apparatus to a        surface or substrate.

FIG. 1 shows a representative embodiment of the present invention, whichis not meant to be limiting in any manner. FIGS. 2-22 show alternateembodiments, which are not meant to be limiting in any manner.

In the embodiment wherein the bag clamping apparatus is affixed to asurface or substrate, the vertical (up/down) movement of the clampmember permits the bag clamping apparatus to accommodate bags ofdifferent heights and avoids the problem of having to squish a tall bagunderneath a fixed-height clamp, hook or clip.

The sleeve of the bag clamping apparatus may comprise one or moreprotrusions extending into the cavity thereof, and the sleeve engagingmember may comprise one or more stopping members, bosses or the likethat abut the one or more protrusions preventing removal or disassemblyof the sleeve engaging member from the sleeve. It is also contemplatedthat the height positioning of the clamp member may be provided byfrictional engagement of the sleeve engaging member with the sleeve oranother component therein. Alternatively, it is also contemplated thatthe sleeve engaging member may engage one or more positive stops therebyregulating the extension of the clamp member at specific heights. Suchmethods for regulating the vertical extension/height of slidably relatedcomponents are known in the art and any such method may be employedherein. For example, but not wishing to be limiting in any manner, thesleeve engaging member and sleeve may form a ball-bearing drawer slideas is known in the art. Alternatively, the up/down movement of the clampmember may be provided, for example, by telescoping (for example, butnot limited to, as shown in FIG. 5) or sliding (for example, but notlimited to, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19) metal or nonmetal tubes orpoles, channels, aluminum, metal or plastic extrusions, drawer slides,or the like. Regulating the height positioning of the clamp member maybe accomplished by any height adjustment means known in the art. In anembodiment which is not meant to be limiting in any manner, the heightadjustment means comprises one or more protrusions or slots in thetrack, mast, stand or sleeve that engages the clamp member or hookmember or a component that connects to the clamp or hook member andretains it at a desired height for engaging the handles of a reusablebag.

The clamp member preferably comprises a torsion spring that biases theclamp member to a closed or clamping position. Applying a squeezingforce to a first protruding surface (80) and a second protruding surface(90) extending from the clamp may be used to overcome the torsion forceprovided by the spring. Any other method of exerting a clamping forcemay be employed in the clamp as described herein.

The clamping member may comprise any shape for clamping a bag. It ispreferred that the clamping member comprise generally a diamond shapeportion, but any suitably-shaped clamping member, for example,triangular, square, rectangular, circular, oval, etc, for holding bagsin an open position may be used. In an embodiment which is not meant tobe limiting, the clamping member comprises generally a cylindrical wireor bar in the shape of a diamond.

The sleeve and sleeve engaging member may also comprise any suitableshape, for example, but not limited to rectangular prism, cylinder,elliptoid or the like. However, it is generally preferred that thesleeve is a rectangular prism as the flat surface generally permits thebag clamping apparatus to be more easily affixed to a surface orsubstrate.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an adjustable bag retaining apparatus (10) comprising,

a) a clamp member (20),

b) a hollow sleeve (30),

c) a sleeve engaging member attached to the clamp member at one endthereof, the sleeve engaging member capable of vertically slidingmovement within the sleeve, and;

d) a base member (70) attached to the sleeve, the base member optionallycomprising one or more apertures (60) for fixedly attaching theadjustable bag retaining apparatus (10) to a surface or substrate.

An embodiment of the present invention, which is not meant to belimiting in any manner is shown in FIG. 2.

In an embodiment wherein the adjustable bagging apparatus comprises abase member, it is preferable that the base member is substantiallysquare or rectangular, but any suitable shape is contemplated herein.Also, the base member may be made of any suitable material, but metal orsteel is preferred due to its strength. The sleeve may be attached tothe base member by any way known in the art, for example, but notlimited to welding, screws, rivets, pins and the like. In this regard,it is generally preferred that that the base member is made from thesame material as the sleeve and the sleeve is centered thereon forstructural support and to prevent the adjustable bag retaining apparatusfrom falling over when placed upright. However, for increased structuralsupport, a structural support frame may be employed as described below.

The present invention also contemplates that the adjustable bagretaining apparatus may further comprise a structural support frame(100). The structural support frame provides structural rigidity whenthe bag clamping apparatus is used and may also permit the bag clampingapparatus to be more easily affixed to a surface or substrate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the structural support frame(100) is generally rectangular in structure with a plurality of crossbraces (110) traversing the structure in width and optionally length.However, any shape or structure that provides enhanced structuralsupport for the bag clamping member is contemplated. Further, the crossbraces may be overlapping, or integral throughout the structural supportframe. Also, it is contemplated that the support frame may comprise oneor more metal rods, beams or the like. In a preferred embodiment, thecross braces (110), for example, but not limited to metal rods areaffixed to the distal frame piece members (120), preferably weldedthereto. In addition to structural rigidity, the cross braces provideheight adjustment capabilities when used with existing checkout counterinfrastructure such as linear metal hooks attached to the verticalsuface of a bagwell.

The sleeve (30) may be attached to the structural support frame (100) byany means as would be known in the art, for example, but not limited to,by welding, studs, bolts, screws, machine screws, a bracket or anycombination thereof. However, it is generally preferred that the sleeveis attached at about the midpoint of the frame. This is shown in FIG. 3and FIG. 8.

The present invention also contemplates that the sleeve may be attachedto the structural support frame between two or more sets of cross bracesthat extend therefrom, generally in two different but parallel planeswith the overall plane of the support frame. This is also shown in FIG.3 and FIG. 8.

It is also contemplated that either the sleeve, structural support frameor both may be attached to a base member. This is shown in FIG. 3. Inembodiments wherein the bag clamping apparatus comprises a base member,it is preferable that the base member is substantially square orrectangular, but again any suitable shape is contemplated herein. Also,the base member may be made of any suitable material, but metal or steelis preferred due to its strength. In this regard, it is generallypreferred that that the base member is made from the same material asthe structural support frame. In embodiments wherein the base member andsupport frame are made of metal, they may be welded together or attachedby any other method or means as known in the art. However, welding ispreferred. The base member may also comprise one or more apertures orholes to assist in affixing the apparatus to a support surface.

In a further embodiment, which is not meant to be limiting in anymanner, it is also contemplated that the base member is affixed on topof a loop extension (130) of the structural support frame (100) at theperiphery of the base member.

The present invention also provides a structural support frame (100)comprising two proximal frame piece members (140) affixed to the basemember (70) on an upper portion of the plane thereof and extending aboutvertically therefrom, and two distal frame piece members (120) affixedto the base member on an under portion of the plane thereof andextending about vertically therefrom. However, both the proximal anddistal frame members may be attached to the base in other ways. Further,it is contemplated that both the proximal and distal frame members areattached only to the structural support frame. Also, but less preferred,the structural support frame may comprise only two frame piece membersproviding two of the outer perimeter sides of the structural supportframe.

Optionally, the support frame may comprise a hook member (150), attachedto the structural support frame or integral therewith at about thecentre-portion or midpoint of the frame. In the embodiment shown in FIG.4, the hook member (150) is positioned at about the midpoint of thestructural support frame (100) in front of the sleeve (30) on aplurality of cross brace members (110). This allows the clamping member(120) to be positioned in a slot created by the cross brace members thatattach and/or form the hook and the other cross brace members formingpart of the structural support frame. The sliding clamp member canthereby be positioned out of the way when bagging into traditionalt-shirt plastic bags which include a tab located at the top center ofthe bag and are held by the hook member (150). FIG. 5 is similar to FIG.4, but shows the clamp member (20) extended vertically from the sleeve(30) and exposing a portion of the sleeve engaging member (40).

The present invention also contemplates a bag clamping apparatus thatfurther comprises a plurality of extension members (160) or armsextending from the frame. The extension members are shown, for example,in FIG. 4. This is particularly preferred if the bag clamping apparatusis employed in a grocery store or the like that continues to bag intotraditional plastic bags known as t-shirt plastic bags.

As a representative example, at least two or more than two extensionmembers or arms may protrude from the structural support frame.Preferably, they are positioned about opposite sides of the supportframe and extend outwardly therefrom generally parallel to the basemember if one is employed. It is also contemplated that the terminal endportions may curve upward (as shown, for example, in FIG. 4),(accommodating T-shirt plastic bags), away from the base member (ifemployed) or the extension members (160) may form loops of various sizesor dimensions and optionally protrude in one or more directions from theframe, for example, but not limited to as shown in FIG. 6, whichaccommodates wave-top plastic bags.

In a further embodiment, which is not meant to be limiting in anymanner, it is contemplated that each extension member may be foldable,for example, but not limited to, folding horizontally toward the middleof the adjustable bag retaining apparatus. In a more preferredembodiment, the extension member(s) fold down, and thus do not interferewith the clamp member.

FIGS. 7-10 are front, rear, top and side views, respectively ofrepresentative depictions, which are not meant to be limiting in anymanner, of the adjustable bag retaining apparatus as described herein.FIGS. 11-12 show representative embodiments, which are not meant to belimiting in any manner of an adjustable bag holding apparatus holding asmall reusable bag and a larger reusable bag, respectively.

FIG. 13 shows an expanded view of a non-limiting, representative clampmember (20) comprising first protruding surface (80) and secondprotruding surface (90) and also showing torsion spring (170). Otherclamp members as known in the art also may be employed in the adjustablebag retaining apparatus of the present invention, for example, but notlimited to, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

The adjustable bag retaining apparatus as described herein may standfreely on or be attached to any suitable surface, preferably ahorizontal flat surface such as a checkout counter bagwell.Alternatively, the adjustable bag retaining apparatus may be mountedonto a vertical sidewall of a checkout, mounted into a t-shirt orwave-top wire bag rack for plastic bags, attached to a vertical orhorizontal pull-out board or on a hinged/cantilevered arm or the like.

In still another embodiment of the present invention there is providedan adjustable bag holding apparatus comprising any combination offeatures of the adjustable bag retaining apparatus as described abovewith the exception that the clamp member is replaced by a hook memberand the sleeve member is attached to the hook member and is capable ofvertically sliding movement. Such an embodiment, which is not meant tobe limiting is shown in FIGS. 20 and 22.

In yet a further embodiment, which is not meant to be limiting in anymanner, there is provided an adjustable bag retaining apparatuscomprising a clamp member or hook member, the clamp or hook membercapable of being adjusted to a desired vertical height on a fixed lengthstand, track, mast or support by a height adjustment means. The heightadjustment means may comprise any height adjustment means as describedherein or as is known in the art. For example, but not wishing to belimiting the clamp or hook may frictionally engage and slide up and downa stand, track, mast, support or the like and thus be retained at adesired vertical height. Alternatively, the clamp, or hook may besecured to a stand, support or the like, for example, but not limited toby a screw, pin, cotter-pin, a second clamp or any combination thereof.Any height adjustment means known in the art may be employed to securethe clamp or hook at a desired vertical height.

It is also contemplated that fixed length stand, track, mast or supportmay be formed from an extrusion, for example, but not limited to analuminum extrusion. However, other materials or combinations ofmaterials are also contemplated as would be known in the art.

The present invention has been described with regard to one or moreembodiments. However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the artthat a number of variations and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable bag retaining apparatus comprising,a) a clamp member, b) a hollow sleeve, c) a sleeve engaging memberattached to the clamp member at one end thereof, the sleeve engagingmember capable of vertically sliding movement within the sleeve, and; d)optionally either i) a plurality of flanges attached to the sleeve andextending outwardly therefrom, said flanges optionally comprising one ormore apertures for fixedly attaching the adjustable bag retainingapparatus to a surface or substrate, or ii) a plurality of protrusions,said protrusion being optionally threaded and attached to the sleeve andextending outwardly therefrom for fixedly attaching the adjustable bagretaining apparatus to a surface or substrate.
 2. An adjustable bagretaining apparatus comprising, a) a clamp member, b) a hollow sleeve,c) a sleeve engaging member attached to the clamp member at one endthereof, the sleeve engaging member capable of vertically slidingmovement within the sleeve, and; d) a base member attached to thesleeve, the base member optionally comprising one or more apertures forfixedly attaching the adjustable bag retaining apparatus to a surface orsubstrate.
 3. The adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a structural support frame.
 4. The adjustable bag retainingapparatus of claim 2, further comprising a structural support frame. 5.The adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 2, wherein the basemember is substantially square or rectangular and has one or moreapertures for affixing the adjustable bag retaining apparatus to asurface.
 6. The adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 2 whereinthe base member is made of steel or metal.
 7. The adjustable bagretaining apparatus of claim 4, wherein base member is welded to thestructural support frame.
 8. The adjustable bag retaining apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the base member is affixed on top of a loop extensionof the structural support frame at the periphery of the base member. 9.The adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 3, wherein thestructural support frame comprises one or more cross braces along itswidth and/or length to provide rigidity thereto, and height adjustmentcapabilities with existing checkout counter infrastructure.
 10. Theadjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 4, wherein the structuralsupport frame comprises two proximal frame piece members affixed to thebase member on an upper portion of the plane thereof and extending aboutvertically therefrom, and two distal frame piece members affixed to thebase member on an under portion of the plane thereof and extending aboutvertically therefrom.
 11. The adjustable bag retaining apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the two distal frame piece members affixed to the basemember on an under portion of the plane thereof and extending aboutvertically therefrom form a continuous loop under the base member. 12.The adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 4, wherein a hook memberis affixed to the structural support frame used for holding the tabfound at the top center of T-shirt plastic bags.
 13. The adjustable bagretaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp member slidesvertically and stays in position under frictional engagement within thesleeve.
 14. The adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe clamp member is attached at the distal end of a sleeve engagingmember for sliding vertically within the sleeve.
 15. The adjustable bagretaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises one or moreprotrusions extending into the cavity of the sleeve, and said sleeveengaging member comprises one or more stopping members to abut said oneor more protrusions on said sleeve to prevent removal or disassembly ofthe sleeve engaging member from said sleeve.
 16. The adjustable bagretaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp member comprises atorsion spring that biases the clamp member to closed or clampingposition.
 17. The adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising at least two extension members positioned about oppositesides of the support frame and extending outwardly therefrom andgenerally parallel to the base member and comprise a terminal endportion that curves upward away from the base member.
 18. The adjustablebag retaining apparatus as defined in any of FIGS. 1-22 or anycombination of features shown therein.
 19. An adjustable bag holdingapparatus comprising the adjustable bag retaining apparatus of claim 1,wherein the clamp member is replaced by a hook member.
 20. An adjustablebag retaining apparatus comprising a clamp member or hook member, saidclamp or hook member capable of being adjusted to a desired verticalheight on a stand, track, mast or support by a height adjustment means.